Bharatiya Janata Party Reaffirms Commitment to Unified Jammu and Kashmir
In a recent statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its steadfast dedication to a united Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing calls from some of its party members for separate statehood for Jammu following its dissociation from Kashmir.
During a workshop organized for its legislators ahead of the upcoming Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the BJP leadership made it clear that they believe in the complete unity of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas currently under Pakistani occupation.
BJP’s national general secretary, responsible for Jammu and Kashmir, Tarun Chugh, emphasized the party’s commitment to the holistic development of the entire region, ensuring equal welfare for all citizens regardless of regional, religious, or other distinctions.
Chugh addressed the recent demand for separate statehood raised by party MLA Sham Lal Sharma and supported by other leaders, accusing the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party of promoting divisive narratives to drive a wedge between Jammu and Kashmir.
The workshop, attended by prominent figures such as BJP J&K president Sat Sharma and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, focused on enhancing legislative skills, ideological clarity, and organizational coordination among elected representatives.
Thakur, reflecting on his longstanding association with Jammu, highlighted the importance of constituency-centric development and urged MLAs to be solution-oriented representatives who effectively address public concerns while upholding democratic values.
JK BJP president reiterated the party’s stance on considering Jammu and Kashmir as a single entity and expressed the need to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
With the upcoming Budget session expected to be contentious, BJP MLAs plan to highlight the alleged failures of the National Conference government in meeting public expectations.
Leader of the Opposition in the JK Assembly, Sunil Sharma, affirmed his party’s opposition to the division of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the unity of the region.
Responding to criticism from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the Jammu statehood demand, Sharma emphasized that BJP’s focus is not on personal ambitions but on serving the nation, religion, and society.
Abdullah’s dismissal of the bifurcation talks as a power play was met with criticism from BJP leaders, who questioned his authority to speak on behalf of the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.
The statement of Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, supporting the demand for separate Jammu, was refuted by Sharma, who highlighted the need for broader representation before considering division.
